Australia is a country that is well-known for its hot and dry climate, and as such, water scarcity is a significant issue that they have been forced to deal with. The government implemented a variety of strategies to deal with water scarcity, and one of the most successful ones was the enforcement of rainwater collection tanks in new houses.
The rationale behind the policy was simple: by collecting rainwater and using it for non-potable purposes, they can significantly reduce the strain on their water supply. Rainwater tanks can be used to water gardens, flush toilets, and even to wash clothes. This means that less potable water is being used for non-potable purposes, which in turn reduces the demand on the water supply system.
If it’s good enough for Australia why don’t we implement the same thing here? Tell me a change that was enforced in the last decade and I’d be impressed, in the 90’s we starting bringing in more efficient water flushing and restrictors for shower heads but there needs to be a fundamental change around how we use water. Water is a scarce resource and we need to stop flushing perfectly good drinkable water down the toilet when better alternatives exist.
In recent years, the severity and frequency of droughts have increased, making it more important than ever to manage our water resources effectively. Rainwater collection tanks are one of the most effective ways to do this in residential environments, as they provide an alternative source of water that can be used in place of potable water.
Additionally, rainwater tanks help to reduce the amount of stormwater runoff, which can cause flooding and erosion. When rainwater falls on hard surfaces like roofs and driveways, it cannot soak into the ground, so it flows into stormwater drains and can cause damage to the environment. By collecting rainwater in tanks, we can reduce the amount of stormwater runoff, which in turn helps to protect our natural environment.
Moreover, the use of rainwater tanks is also an effective way to reduce water bills. By using rainwater for non-potable purposes, homeowners can significantly reduce their water consumption, resulting in lower water bills. This can be particularly beneficial for households that have large gardens or use a lot of water for outdoor activities.
The enforcement of rainwater collection tanks in new houses in New Zealand would be a smart policy to adopt as it has been a success in Australia with zero downsides and numerous proven benefits. It reduces the strain on our water supply system, helps to protect the environment, and can reduce water bills for homeowners. Policymakers need to at least roadmap this as a future policy change because it is crucial to implement effective strategies to manage our water resources sustainably.
